reproductive health services for adolescents - Pathfinder International

Module 16/Unit 12
CONTENT
Knowledge/Attitudes/Skills
Training/Learning Methods
(Time Required)
• It is harder for the baby to digest.
• It will not help prevent infections.
• It can cause infections and illness in
the baby if it is not made or stored
correctly.
• It can be expensive and hard to get.
• It can cause diarrhea or even death if
the water is dirty.
How to have enough milk
Breast milk is the best and only food the
baby needs for the first 6 months. In
order to produce enough milk, the
mother needs to be healthy, drink plenty
of fluids, eat plenty of nutritious food, and
get plenty of rest.
When to stop breastfeeding
Babies should have only breast milk for
the first 4-6 months. It is good to feed
each baby for at least 2 years. Most
older babies don't need to breastfeed as
often as young babies.
Adapted from: Klein, S. 1995. A book for
midwives: A manual for traditional birth
attendants and community midwives. Palo Alto,
CA: The Hesperian Foundation.
The Adolescent and Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a particular challenge
for adolescents. Young mothers often
consider breastfeeding to be too
confining of their movements and too
demanding of their time. Help maintain a
realistic perspective that supports the
adolescent mother in making a decision
that she is comfortable with and can
successfully carry out. Help her achieve
her identity and minimize role confusion
Pathfinder International
178
Adolescent Curriculum